The Zonal Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, South-East Chapter, Alhaji Gidado Siddikki, has claimed that its members are being detained without trial at different correctional centres in Anambra State.
Siddikki further claimed that members of their association have been unjustly accused of crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery, resulting in their prolonged detention without trial by the police for more than five years.
Addressing journalists in Awka on Sunday, Siddikki expressed his concerns and urged the Anambra State government, specifically the Ministry of Justice and the prison authority, to thoroughly investigate the matter and take necessary actions to halt this ongoing situation.
He emphasized, “The leadership of MACBAN in the region is deeply distressed by the dehumanization and unjust labeling of herdsmen as kidnappers and armed robbers within the area.”
“We are solely engaged in our legitimate business, which is cattle ranching in the rural areas, and not involved in any criminal activities.
“Regrettably, many of our community members have been unjustly detained in prison for more than five years, with the state government failing to address their cases or provide them with a fair trial. This mistreatment stems from certain disgruntled individuals living among the Igbo community who harbor animosity towards the Fulani ethnic group.
“Due to this deep-seated animosity, whenever they encounter a Fulani individual, they will promptly report them to the nearest police station, making serious allegations, regardless of whether the accused has actually committed any offense. Consequently, the police will apprehend the individual, initiate legal proceedings, and subsequently confine the herder to prison, where their case files languish in court custody without any progress towards a trial.”
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Sources: Punch paper
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